We’re a bit sluggish today because we were up way past our bedtime, watching Syracuse junk its famed 2-3 zone defense in favor of an oppressive man-to-man, and the result was rallying from a 13-point deficit to force overtime on this clutch triple by Jonny Flynn. Syracuse rolled in OT to register a surprising win over new-look Kansas, 89-81. Dick Vitale refused to believe the ‘Cuse are the 8th best team in the Big East after knocking off the 2nd best team in the SEC (Florida) and the best or second best in the Big 12 (Kansas).

Notre Dame 81, Texas 80: In a tight, thrilling game, the Irish clanged many a free throw in the final two minutes, which gave Texas hope, but AJ Abrams’ could only draw front iron on a 55-foot shot at the buzzer. This sets up a Notre Dame vs. UNC final tonight, which will be the first test for the No. 1 Heels, who spanked Oregon 98-69. Harangody vs. Hansbrough! Last night we were excited about the prospect of Jackson vs. Lawson at the point, but what figures to be more of a matchup to watch is who from the Irish draws Danny Green, who is shooting 60 percent from the field and 52 from three, and leads UNC at 15 ppg. Ryan Ayers, you ready?

Why we love Raft: “Mason, jar-in ‘em!”

Davidson 78, Loyola (MD) 48: This is strange because Steph Curry, averaging 35 coming in, didn’t score. Loyola elected to put two men on Curry all night, and defend the rest of the team with three players. As you can see from the final score, it didn’t work. Curry went 0-for-3 in 32 minutes and his average dipped to 29 ppg. “It was the weirdest thing ever,” Curry said.